New England Small Business

What is a Small Business?

There are many different government and business definitions of what constitutes a small business. In one example, from the EPA Small Business Compliance Policy:

"A small business is a person, corporation, partnership, or other entity who employs 100 or fewer individuals (across all facilities and operations owned by the small business)."

• Small Business Compliance Policy (81 KB, 18 pages, About PDF) (EPA HQ)
• Small Business Compliance and Enforcement (EPA HQ)

In another example, the Small Business Act defines a small business as a concern "that is independently owned and operated and which is not dominant in its field of operation." Visit the Small Business Administration, What is Small Business for more information on the definition of small business. Other definitions of a small business may differ depending on the specific organization or program. They’re typically based on such factors as sales volume, production level, income, or net worth. If you need help determining your eligibility as a small business, e.g. for participation in a program, many sources of assistance are available. Consider the following contacts:

• the program representative
• state business assistance programs
• EPA New England Small Business Assistance at (617) 918-1836